-The experts at Wine Enthusiast blind tasted nearly 23,000 wines from 17 countries before naming the Stolo Family Vineyards 2014 Estate Syrah #27 on the Top 100 Wines of 2017 list. The Stolo Syrah is ranked higher than any other Syrah on the list. “This is possibly the most savory rendition of Syrah made on the Central Coast, each vintage as feral as the last,” noted Matt Kettmann, contributing editor to Wine Enthusiast.
“This wine intrigues people because it has distinct, cool climate aromas and elegance that are more reminiscent of a Northern Rhône Syrah than one grown in California,” said Stolo winemaker Nicole Pope. “It’s fascinating to watch the aromatics of this wine evolve in the glass, allowing the complexities from this extremely coastal vineyard to shine through.”
Stolo’s estate vineyard is located less than three miles from the Pacific Ocean and its rolling green hills are often blanketed with morning fog. The combination of the rocky hillside soil and the maritime winds naturally reduce yields, producing tiny berries and clusters that are full of concentrated flavor. The limestone and shale soils also add an edge of minerality. A long ripening season allows for unique and complex flavors in the glass while also maintaining acidity and elegance in the finished wine.
The annual ranking is a true best-of-the-best and adds to a pedigree of winemaking excellence at Stolo. The Syrah starts with intriguing pepper, smoked meat and spice aromas before transitioning into fruit nuances, making it remarkably drinkable. If Syrah isn’t a personal favorite, try the other Stolo wines rated more than 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, including the 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir, the 2015 Chardonnay, and the 2016 Gewürztraminer. For more information, please visit stolofamilyvineyards.com.
About Stolo Family Vineyards
Stolo Family Vineyards is the only winery and tasting room on estate vineyards on the Central Coast of California making it a favorite for locals and wine experts alike. Established in 2004, the winery focuses on producing small-lot, premium wines with an emphasis on cool climate estate wines like their Pinot Noir, which was rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast. Stolo Family Vineyards takes pride in their honest approach to winemaking from vineyard to bottle. Every effort is made to keep the integrity of the grape and vineyard site by crafting wines that represent the unique terroir of this cool growing region. Visitors are always welcome to the boutique tasting room, where award-winning wines can be enjoyed in a rustic, friendly atmosphere. Stolo Family Vineyards is located at 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road in Cambria, California, 93428. For more information, please visit stolofamilyvineyards.com or call 805-924-3131, and be sure to follow Stolo Family Vineyards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
